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July 7, 2009
Diplomatic relations between Russia and the U.S. are providing positive momentum to the nuclear abolition campaign! During a visit to Russia on Monday, President Obama and Russian President Dimitry Medvedev reached a preliminary agreement on reducing the number of nuclear weapons stockpiled in both the U.S. and Russia. The "joint understanding" reached between the two leaders says that each country is required to reduce the number of their strategic warheads to between 1,500 and 1,675, and their strategic delivery vehicles to between 500 and 1,100. While these numbers are a modest reduction from the 2,200 strategic warheads and 1,600 launch vehicles allowable under the Cold War era Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START), they are lower than any existing arms control agreement. The understanding also provides leadership on the part of both Russia and the U.S. in nuclear reduction, and demonstrates Russian and American committment to strengthening the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) in 2010. The "joint understanding" has been in the works since Obama and Medvedev met at a G-20 meeting in April and sets parameters for negotiations through the end of the year. Unfortunately, the continuation of negotiations will not be without challenges. The successful talks between Russia and the U.S. are coming under fire from opposition leaders in the U.S., who claim that Obama's stance on nuclear reduction is not only naïve, but dangerous. Moreover, disputes centering around the U.S. missile defense program in Eastern Europe are potentially crippling to the process. While both leaders skirted the issue on Monday, Medvedev has said that the U.S. would need to compromise on the system before he would sign any arms reduction treaty. Obama has not given a strong indication of his position on the program. On a brighter note, the leaders issued a joint statement indicating continued dialogue on this controversial issue. We cannot let these challenges stall the progress of nuclear arms reduction at this crucial time, particularly as we are approaching the review of the NPT in 2010 and the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty continues to face scrutiny in the Senate. In your five minutes for peace this week, please sign the online petition to President Obama for the abolition of nuclear weapons. We finally have a President who understands the dangers of a nuclear world. Let's give him the support he needs to take the lead in the global campaign for nuclear abolition! In peace,
Susanne Erni, Intern 
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Monday, July 13, 6:30 p.m.
“Fahmidan” or “understanding” in Farsi is a four week film festival on life in Iran and images of
Iranian culture and conflict. “Caught Between Two Worlds: Iranians in the USA” is
Persheng Sadegh-Vaziri and Simin Farkondeh’s documentary about the complexities of the Iranian experience
in the US for those who have made the US their home. Ms. Sadegh-Vaziri will discuss the film and
answer questions after the screening.
MIDTOWN WEST, NYC. Cupcake Café, 545 9th Avenue, between 40th and 41st Streets 
FAHMIDAN/UNDERSTANDING SUMMER FILM FESTIVAL ON IRAN. “CAUGHT BETWEEN TWO WORLDS: IRANIANS IN THE USA”
Thursday, July 9, 7:00 – 8:46 p.m.
DELMAR. Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Avenue IRAQ WAR VETERAN AND CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTOR JOSH STEIBER WILL SPEAK 
First-hand testimony about Iraq from 21 year old Iraq veteran Josh Stieber.
Steiber was deployed to Baghdad as part of the Surge from Feb '07 to Apr '09. He spent
the majority of his deployment living outside larger military installations, working with his
infantry company in converted warehouses and police stations as a Humvee driver, machine gunner,
detainee guard, radio transmission operator, and a little bit of everything in between. This gave
him a broad range of first-hand experiences within the Army and of daily Iraqi life. Upon return
from deployment, Steiber applied for Conscientious Objector status. “Once I got out Iraq of I got frustrated
on a moral and a practical level by what I saw being done to the Iraqis,” said Stieber. “I thought the war
was wrong and that we created more problems than we solved by fighting there.” After nearly a year of investigation
into the sincerity of his claim, he was unanimously approved by the Department of the Army Conscientious Objection
Review Board. He is now engaged in a cross-country trip, inspired by his love of the writings of Mohandas Gandhi
and Jack Kerouac, which he calls The Contagious Love Experiment. Steiber hopes to share his
experiences and promote alternatives to military involvement. More Information: 518-439-1968.
Monday, July 13, 12:00 – 2:30 p.m. and 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. MIDTOWN CENTER. New York Hilton Hotel, 1335 Avenue of the Americas COLLECT SIGNATURES FOR THE CASE OF MUMIA ABU-JAMAL The campaign for a Civil Rights Investigation in the case of Mumia Abu-Jamal is actively collecting signatures for a letter to Attorney General Holder. (Holder will be there at the earlier time and a number of other dignitaries will be attending in the evening.) Tuesday, July 14, 6:00 – 8:30 p.m. GREENWICH VILLAGE. Brecht Forum, 451 West Street (between Bank & Bethune Sts, near 11th St.) CODE PINK REPORT BACK FROM GAZA AND THE WEST BANK. Hear eye-witness accounts from members of delegations trying to break through the blockade of Gaza - some successfully and some not. Hear first hand their experiences challenging the Egyptian and Israeli governments and their experiences working with Israeli and Palestinan peace activists. Hear what is going on in Gaza and the West Bank and how Palestinians are fighting to survive. Invited speakers:
Sponsors: Adalah-NY, CODEPINK NYC, Committee for Open Discussion
of Zionism, Jews Against the Occupation, Jews Say No!, Women in Black.
Medea Benjamin, co-founder of CODEPINK Women for Peace; Felice Gelman, leader of New York delegation to Gaza, member WESPAC; Phillip Weiss, journalist, MONDO WEISS blog; Manijeh Saba, Iranian-American human rights activist, member of delegation to Israel/Gaza. Saturday, July 18 and Sunday, July 19 DOWNTOWN. National Association of Social Workers, NYC Chapter. 10th floor, 50 Broadway (between Exhachange Pl. and Morris St.) 
UNDOING RACISM WORKSHOP.Cost is $350, which includes tuition and a light breakfast. 50% student scholarships are available. (If you have participated in an Undoing Racism workshop in the past, you can “brush up” free of charge if space is available.) To register, see www.antiracistalliance.com. For more information call Sandy Bernabei 914-522-5997. Participants are required to attend the entire workshop. To organize a workshop for your own group, contact People’s Institute Northeast at 718-918-2716. Monday, July 27, 6:30 p.m. 
MIDTOWN WEST. Cupcake Café, 545 9th Avenue, between 40th and 41st StreetsFAHMIDAN/UNDERSTANDING – SUMMER FILM FESTIVAL ON IRAN. SCREENING: “RICK STEVE’S IRAN” “Fahmidan” or “understanding” in Farsi is a four week film festival on life in Iran and images of Iranian culture and conflict. “Rick Steve’s Iran” follows Rick Steve as he explores the most surprising and fascinating land he’s ever visited: Iran. Discover historic monuments of Iran and experience Iranian life today in its historic capital and countryside villages. Guest speakers will include local New Yorkers who have traveled to Iran. Tuesday, July 28, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. GREENWICH VILLAGE. Judson Memorial Church, 239 Thompson Street* ISRAEL-PALESTINE: PRACTICAL STEPS TO PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST Join Peace Action New York State in an unbiased discussion of the current Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Speakers will address non-violent resolutions, challenge our personal biases, and promote diplomatic relations. With David Wildman, Executive Secretary, Human Rights & Racial Justice, General Board of Ministries, United Methodist Church. $10 suggested donation, no one will be turned away. *By subway from the 8th street/NYU R and W stop, the West 4th street A, C, E, F, and V stop or the Christopher Street/Sheridan Square 1 and 2 stop. For more information, call Laura at 646-723-1749. Saturday, August 1. 1:30 p.m. March, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. Silent Vigil BAY RIDGE. Assemble on 4th Avenue between 96th and 97th Streets, march to 4th Avenue and Shore Road (one block after 101th Street). HIROSHIMA DAY COMMEMORATION We will be carrying one banner that reads “Abolish Nuclear Weapons.” Please wear black/somber clothing. We will also distribute cranes and literature on the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty. Sponsored by Bay Ridge Peace Action. 
Monday, August 3, 6:30 p.m.MIDTOWN WEST. Cupcake Café, 545 9th Avenue, between 40th and 41st Streets FAHMIDAN/UNDERSTANDING – SUMMER FILM FESTIVAL ON IRAN. SCREENING: “THE CIRCLE” “Fahmidan” or “understanding” in Farsi is a four week film festival on life in Iran and images of Iranian culture and conflict. “The Circle” connects the lives of three separate women trying to survive under a fundamentalist Iranian regime. 
Thursday, August 6, 12 noonCENTRAL PARK NORTH. Central Park's Harlem Meer, 110th street near Lenox Ave, Manhattan, NY PAPER CRANE MAKING AND LAUNCHING CEREMONY Peace Action of New York State is hosting a two-part festival to commemorate the lives lost at Hiroshima and Nagasaki to the nuclear atrocities of 1945. In the first part of our festival, work with camp students on paper crane making. Personalize your cranes with messages for peace and the float them on the serene Harlem Meer in a ceremony with live musical performances. 
Thursday, August 6, 7:30 p.m.BAY RIDGE. The Soul Café at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 7420 4th Avenue at 74th Street SCREENING OF “THE DAY AFTER” This stirring made-for-TV movie depicts the aftermath of nuclear disaster as it follows the lives of a handful of residents of Lawrence, Kansas including a professor (John Lithgow), a doctor (Jason Robards), a young woman (Lori Lethin) and a college student (Steve Guttenberg). Tension rises as radiation levels increase and Americans must find ways to survive against all odds -- physically, mentally and emotionally. 
Thursday, August 12, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.Location TBD SPECIAL THEATRICAL READING OF CHIORI MIYAGAWA’S “I HAVE BEEN TO HIROSHIMA MON AMOUR” Peace Action of New York State is hosting a two-part festival to commemorate the lives lost at Hiroshima and Nagasaki to the nuclear atrocities of 1945. In the second part of our festival we will host a live reading of Chiori Miyagawa's renowned play I Have Been to Hiroshima Mon Amour, in which a French actress has a 24-hour affair with a Japanese architect. Remember Hiroshima by watching three actors in their rendition of this extremely moving piece directed by Jean Wagner. For more information on I Have Been to Hiroshima Mon Amour, please visit www.hiroshimaproject.org. I Have Been to Hiroshima Mon Amour was produced by Voice&Vision and Crossing Jamaica Avenue and premiered at Ohio Theater in May 2009, directed by Jean Wagner. 
Friday, July 10, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.NYACK. Fellowship of Reconciliation, 521 North Broadway, Nyack SCREENING OF “FLOW” “Flow” is the next film in the Phil Greenspan film series. Irena Salina's award-winning documentary is an investigation into what experts label the most important political and environmental issue of the 21st Century - The World Water Crisis. You can see a trailer and reviews of the film at www.flowthefilm.com/. After the screening, we will have a discussion, including updates on the desalinization project being promoted for Rockland County. A panel, including Connie Coker, Chair of the Environmental Committee of the Rockland County Legislature, Laurie Seeman an artist and long-time water activist and Rachel Richardson, an activist with Food and Water Watch, will participate in the discussion. For more information, call 845-358-4601 ext. 32 Sunday, July 12, 1:00 lunch, 1:30 meeting GENESEO. Omega Restaurant, 4182 Lakeville Road (Rt. 20A) GENESEE VALLEY CITIZENS FOR PEACE MONTHLY MEETING. All are welcome. Monday, July 13, 9:00am WHITE PLAINS. Federal Courthouse, 300 Quarropas Street JURY TRAIL AGAINST WEST POINT OFFICIALS A jury trial in a suit brought by 8 Westchester protesters against West Point officials for forcing them to end an “Out of Iraq” message at the annual Army-Navy basketball game at West Point in February, 2004 and for preventing them for entering West Point for five years. Give a big show of support to win the defense of the right of free speech. Saturday, July 25, 12:00 – 6:00 p.m. GENESEO. Geneseo bus garage, Rt. 20 (South St.) just east of the intersection of Main and South Streets. 
GIVE FREE BUMPER STICKERS TO PASSING MOTORISTS.To sign-up for a two hour shift, please call 585-624-3673. Wednesday, August 5, 7:30 p.m. AVON. Avon Traffic Circle, Routes 5 and 20. ANNUAL HIROSHIMA/NAGASAKI CANDLELIGHT VIGIL Sponsored by Genesee Valley Citizens for Peace. WOODSTOCK. DAY ONE: Saturday August 15, 9:30 a.m - 9:30 p.m. Town Hall, 76 Tinker Street DAY TWO: Sunday, August 16, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. The Colony Cafe, 22 Rock City Road 
WOODSTOCK PEACE ECONOMY FORUMBuilding a Peaceful, Just and Sustainable Economy On this 40th anniversary of the Woodstock Festival, speakers and panels will focus on the global need for an economy based on peace and sustainability rather than on weapons making. Music, poetry, and media arts will also be included in the two day event. Participants include: Diane Wilson, environmental and anti-war activist, author of An Unreasonable Woman, which tells her story of fighting polluters as a fishing- boat captain off the Texas Gulf Coast. Jeff Cohen, Founding Director of the Part Center for Independent Media at Ithaca College, Founder of Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting. Robert Pollin, American economist and activistm professor of economics at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, Founding Co-director of its Political Economy Research Institute (PERI). "I'm gratified that citizens of Woodstock and its environs are organizing to transform the production of components now used for frightful weapons to peaceful and sustainable purposes." - Howard Zinn http://www.woodstockpeaceeconomy.org/, deedeehalleck@gmail.com. Several local organizations, including the Dutchess Peace Coalition, are working on this conference. The focus will be on weapons manufactures and their role in lobbying for war, polluting the environment, and taking resources away from more productive enterprises. It is an ambitious project, targeted for the anniversary of the Woodstock Festival. Take a look at: http://www.woodstockpeaceeconomy.org/ Many local peace groups hold regular events, vigils, "Honk for Peace" actions, etc. See our list: www.panys.org/ongoing.htm July 10 - 12 PITTSBURGH, PA. La Roche College NATIONAL ASSEMBLY TO END THE IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN WARS AND OCCUPATIONS NATIONAL MEETING The purpose of this conference is to bring together antiwar and social justice activists from across the country to discuss and decide what we can do together to end the wars, occupations, bombing attacks, threats and interventions that are taking place in the Middle East and beyond, which the U.S. government is conducting and promoting. This will be the National Assembly's second conference. The first was held in Cleveland last June and it was attended by over 400 people, including top leaders of the antiwar movement and activists from many states. After discussion and debate, attendees voted - on the basis of one person, one vote - to urge the movement to join together for united spring actions. The National Assembly endorsed and helped build the March actions in Washington D.C., San Francisco and Los Angeles, and the April actions in New York City. For more information, please visit the National Assembly's website at www.natassembly.org, email us at natassembly@aol.com, or call 216-736-4704. Thursday, July 30, 1:00 p.m. WASHINGTON D.C. Upper Senate Park, Constitution and Delaware Avenues, NW RALLY AND LOBBY DAY FOR UNIVERSAL SINGLE-PAYER HEALTHCARE Join Healthcare-Now1 and a coalition of organizations and people in support of single-payer health insurance. With millions of you we can change Congress to make it happen. Emails, letters are important, but right now we must have masses of people who will come to make a physical presence, a witness, in the streets of Washington DC to demand that Congress pass and that President Obama sign, legislation creating single-payer health insurance for all Americans. Single-payer health care is an extended and improved Medicare insurance program for all of us, regardless of age, employment, ailment history, and income. You pay no premiums, co-pays, and deductibles. Healthcare practitioners and hospitals remain in private practice and negotiate their fees with a single agent - the government. The program will be funded primarily by a payroll earnings tax much like our Social Security program. You can choose your health providers, doctors, and hospitals within the United States. For more information, visit www.healthcare-now.org . July 30 to August 11 JAPAN. SUMMER STUDY ABROAD IN HIROSHIMA & NAGASAKI Sponsored by The Nuclear Studies Institute of American University. Live and study with Japanese and other Asian students, professors, peace activists, and policy experts. Meet with atomic bomb survivors and hear moving firsthand accounts of their experiences. Learn about Japanese aggression against other Asian peoples. Participate in a broad range of commemorative events in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Visit peace museums and relevant cultural and historical sites in Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Nagasaki, including the Kyoto Museum for World Peace, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum, the Radiation Effects Research Foundation, and peace parks in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Earn three history or SIS credits (graduate or undergraduate), or participate as a non-degree seeking student. Click for PDF flier. For more information, go to www.american.edu/nsi, or contact Professor Peter Kuznick: kuznick@american.edu or 202-885-2408. August 13-16 
ALBUQUERQUE, NM. THINK OUTSIDE THE BOMB NATIONAL CONFERENCE Inspired by the need to organize an effective movement for nuclear abolition, the implementation of sustainable and non-toxic energy production, and the demilitarization of society, we are working to educate, organize, and empower a new generation of community and campus leaders working toward a nuclear-free world. Think Outside the Bomb is a national network comprised of individuals and organizations that communicate, interact, and support each other, collecting and disseminating resources and information through the internet and our national and regional conferences. We are organizing to bring about real structural change in society, and we invite you to join us! www.thinkoutsidethebomb.org/2009/. Going out of state? Check UFPJ's national Events Calendar: http://www.unitedforpeace.org/calendar.php. |